Inflatable Lining for footwear with protective and comfortable coatings or surrounds

ABSTRACT

The invention is an inflatable inner sole for footwear which has a flexible, inflatable enclosure with an inflation system that preferably includes an on-board air pump and a pressure relief valve. In this invention the inner sole has a sheet and/or foam cover or surround on the flexible enclosure for enhanced comfort. Useful sheet covers can be plastic, including rubber, films in solid or foamed state, or fabric which are applied against the upper, wearing surface of the inflatable enclosures. The covers can be bonded only to the edges of the inflatable enclosures to permit relative movement between the covers and enclosures, or can be bonded to the top surface of the enclosures, or formed as surrounds which encapsulate the inflatable enclosures.

[0001] This Application is entitled to the benefit under 35 USC 119(e)of Provisional Application No. 60/153,256 filed on Sep. 10, 1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to an inflatable lining for footwear,particularly to an inflatable inner sole with protective and comfortablecoatings and surrounds and method for its manufacture.

[0004] 2. Brief Statement of the Prior Art

[0005] Inner soles have been provided for shoes and boots which areformed of a compressible, elastic material such as cellular plasticfoams, foam rubber, etc. These inner soles have provided only limitedshock absorbency, resulting in little no significant improvement inwearer comfort.

[0006] Some prior investigators have provided inner soles with inflatedcushions at either the toe and heel areas, and some have providecushions at both areas with circulation between the two cushions. Thecushions have been provided with mechanisms to circulate air andventilate the shoe or boot during walking activities. Examples of theseare: U.K. Patents 2,189,679 and 357,391; U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,180,039,2,716,293, 1,213,941 and German Patent 3,144,207.

[0007] Sport socks are also available for hikers and runners which havea double layer of fabric on the undersurface of the sock in an attemptto prevent blisters.

[0008] In some foot apparel, notably in ski boots, an outer shell ismolded from plastic and is lined with an inner shoe. Adjustment has beenmade to the tightness of the outer shell and air bags have been providedacross the instep region of the shoe, and elsewhere, and have beenprovided with an air pump to pressure the air bags, thus forcing thefoot against the sole and creating a snugness of the fit of the skiboot. U.S. Pat. No. 4,730,403 and German Patent 2,321,817 arerepresentative of these ski boots.

[0009] A water-filled inner sole for shoes has recently been marketedunder the trade name “Walk On Water”. While this is an attempt toincrease wearer comfort, water is heavy, non-compressible and the innersole cannot be adjusted for firmness, and cannot provide shockabsorbency. Additionally, water is unsuited for use in freezingclimates. Also, a leak will wet the inside of the bootwear, and thisinner is not breathable.

[0010] Another recently marketed innovation is that disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,183,156; 4,340,626 and 4,817,304 in which an inflatableinner sole or sole insert is permanently inflated with halogenatedhydrocarbon gases. Since it is impossible to preclude diffusion of gasesthrough the plastic, the inflatable insert or inner sole is acknowledgedto experience a rapid increase in pressure shortly after manufacture,followed by a slowly declining pressure, thus failing to provide astable condition. The pressure of the inflatable member also cannot beadjusted by the wearer for varying conditions of use and comfort.

[0011] None of the aforementioned prior devices provides a simple,inexpensive solution to comfortable wear and walking in a shoe or boot.The foam inner soles have only a limited value and limited shockabsorbency. The remainder of the prior devices, including thepressurization system for ski boots are relatively complex and costlyand are often too bulky and cumbersome. Consequently, these devices arenot readily acceptable for everyday activities.

[0012] In my prior patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,063) I disclose and claiminflatable linings with an on board inflation pump and relief valvewhich is readily adaptable to mass manufacturing techniques. A preferredapplication of the inflatable enclosure is that of an inflatable innersole of footwear.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It is an objective of this invention to provide a light weight,shock-absorbing inflatable lining which enhances the fit, stability andcomfort of footwear.

[0014] It is also an objective of this invention to provide theaforementioned inflatable lining with an on-board air pump and reliefvalve to permit the wearer to adjust the lining from firm to softsupport, as desired for the wearer's weight and or activity.

[0015] It is an additional objection of this invention to provide aninflatable lining as an inner sole for footwear such as shoes, boots andsandals, having an arch pillow and a contour conforming to the wearer'sfoot, which preferably will massage the wearer's foot.

[0016] It is likewise an objection of this invention to provide aninflatable lining as an inner sole for orthopedic footwear to treat andprevent foot disorders.

[0017] It is a further objective of this invention to provide aninflatable lining with a surface which will prevent blister formation.

[0018] It is a further objective of this invention to provide theaforementioned inflatable linings with a fabric and/or foam covering forcomfort enhancement.

[0019] It is also an objective of this invention to provide a simplemethod for manufacture of the inflatable lining.

[0020] Other and related objectives will be apparent from the followingdescription of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] This invention comprises an inflatable lining for footwear whichhas sheet and/or foam coatings or surrounds for enhanced comfort and amethod for its manufacture. Useful sheet coatings can be plastic filmsor fabric and, when used, are applied against the wearing surface of thelining. Plastic foam, when used, alone or in combination with sheetcoatings, can be applied to either surface of the lining, preferably asa surround which encapsulates the inflated lining. The inflatablelinings are preferably those described in my prior patent (U.S. Pat. No.5,846,063) which include an on-board air pump and relief valve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The invention will be described with reference to the figures ofwhich:

[0023]FIG. 1 is a plan view of an inflatable inner sole encapsulated inan elastomeric material with an on-board air pump and adjustable reliefvalve;

[0024]FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view along line 2-2′ of the inner soleof FIG. 1;

[0025]FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view along line 3-3′ of the inner soleof FIG. 1;

[0026]FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view along line 4-4′ of the inner soleof FIG. 1;

[0027]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the inflatable inner sole of FIG.1;

[0028]FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of FIG. 2 toillustrate the construction of the inflatable lining of the inner sole;

[0029]FIG. 7 is a plan view of an alternative inflatable inner solehaving an upper elastomeric coating with an on-board air pump andadjustable relief valve;

[0030]FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view along line 8-8′ of the inner soleof FIG. 7;

[0031]FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view along line 9-9′ of the inner soleof FIG. 7;

[0032]FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view along line 10-10′ of the innersole of FIG. 7;

[0033]FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross sectional view of an alternativeupper coating;

[0034]FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a secondalternative coating;

[0035]FIG. 13 is a plan view of an alternative inner sole which has aninflated enclosure over the heel and arch areas of the sole and isencapsulated in an elastomeric material with an on-board air pump andadjustable relief valve;

[0036]FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view along line 14-14′ of the innersole of FIG. 13;

[0037]FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view along line 15-15′ of the innersole of FIG. 13;

[0038]FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view along line 16-16′ of the innersole of FIG. 13;

[0039] FIGS. 17-20 are plan and sectional views of an alternativeinflatable inner sole with embedded magnets;

[0040]FIG. 21 is a plan view the air pump and check valve assembly usedwith the inflatable linings;

[0041]FIG. 22 is a view of a check valve used in the air pump and checkvalve assembly;

[0042]FIG. 23 is a sectional view along line 23-23′ of FIG. 21, with therelief valve omitted;

[0043]FIG. 24 is a sectional view along line 24-24′ of FIG. 21;

[0044]FIG. 25 is a view of an alternative check valve useful in the airpump and relief valve assembly;

[0045]FIG. 26 is a plan view of an alternative inflatable inner solewith an on board air pump in the heel of the inner sole and with anadjustable relief valve;

[0046]FIG. 27 is a cross sectional view along line 27-27′ of the innersole of FIG. 26;

[0047]FIG. 28 is a cross sectional view along line 28-28′ of the innersole of FIG. 26;

[0048]FIG. 29 is a cross sectional view along line 29-29′ of the innersole of FIG. 26;

[0049]FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the inflatable inner sole of FIG.26;

[0050] FIGS. 31-36 are plan and sectional views of the heel air pumpused in the inner sole shown in FIG. 26;

[0051] FIGS. 37-40 are views of the check valve assembly used in theinner sole of FIG. 26;

[0052] FIGS. 41-44 are views of the pressure control valve used in theinner sole of FIG. 26;

[0053]FIG. 45 is a plan view of an alternative inflatable inner solewithout an on-board air pump;

[0054]FIG. 46 is a cross sectional view along line 46-46′ of the innersole of FIG. 45;

[0055]FIG. 47 is a cross sectional view along line 47-47′ of the innersole of FIG. 45;

[0056]FIG. 48 is a cross sectional view along line 48-48′ of the innersole of FIG. 45;

[0057]FIG. 49 is a sectional view of the relief valve and connector toattach an external source of pressured gas to the inner sole of FIG. 45;

[0058]FIG. 50 is a perspective, partial sectional view of the inflatableinner sole shown in FIGS. 45-48;

[0059]FIG. 51 illustrates an external air pump useful with theinflatable inner sole shown in FIGS. 45-48;

[0060] FIGS. 52-54 are views of an adapter, a connector, and a needlevalve air source useful with the inflatable inner sole of FIGS. 45-48;and

[0061]FIG. 55 is a perspective view of an orthopedic insert for use withthe inflatable inner soles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, the invention as applied to aninflatable inner sole will be described. The inflatable inner sole 10 isshown in plan view in FIG. 1, in sectional views in FIGS. 2-4, inperspective, partial sectional view in FIG. 5 and in an enlargedsectional view in FIG. 6. The inflatable inner sole 10 which has aninflatable enclosure 11 that extends across the entire sole includingthe heel area 13, the arch or instep area 15, the toe area 22 andmetatarsal area 20. The inflatable enclosure 11 is formed by a firstsheet 12 and a coextensive second sheet 14 of substantially the sameshape and size. These sheets can be best seen in the enlarged sectionalview, FIG. 6. The first and second sheets 12 and 14 are bonded togetherin a continuous peripheral seam 16 that extends about the heel area 13and the instep area 15 of the inner sole 10. The seam is sufficientlywide to form an annular flange 17 which is die cut to approximately thecorrect size and shape for the particular inner sole. The flange 17 isoversized, however, to permit the user to trim the inner sole 10 to theexact shape and size of the wearer's footwear.

[0063] The first and second sheets 12 and 14 are preferably plastic andmost preferably are thermoplastic, so that conventional heat sealing canbe used for forming the seams. The most preferred thermoplastic materialis polyurethane, however, other suitable materials include ethylene, andethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, polyethylene, polypropylene,polyvinyl chloride, etc. Natural or synthetic rubber can also be used.

[0064] The first sheet 12 and second sheet 14 are also bonded togetherwith a plurality of discontinuous seams 34, 36 and 38 and 40 which formtubular, interconnecting passageways 56 through the heel area 13 andpassageways 28 through the instep area 15 of the inner sole 10. Theinflatable enclosure 11 also has a plurality of discontinuous,transverse seams 74 in the metatarsal area 20 and toe area 22 to impartflexibility to the inner sole 10 and to form interconnecting passageways29 which extend across these areas to permit the wearer to control thefirmness and support of the inner sole simply by controlling theinflation pressure within the inflatable enclosure 11.

[0065] The spacing between adjacent seams controls the size (diameter)of the passageways 28 and 29. If desired, some areas of the inflatableenclosure 11 can be unseamed to form air pillows. The size and spacingof the interconnecting passageways and pillows can easily be variedduring manufacture to adapt the inner sole to the particular shoe. Thus,the pillows and passageways in the arch area can be small in size to fitconventional shoes with integral arch supports or large in size for usewith shoes having flat or near flat soles, to provide an arch support.In either case, the firmness of the inner sole 10 can be regulated byadjustment of the air pressure within the inflatable enclosure 11.

[0066] Preferably, the seams have a plurality of through perforations orapertures 32 which extend entirely thorough the first and second sheets12 and 14 and are entirely surrounded by a seam 30. The spacing, sizeand number of these discontinuous seams can be varied greatly, asdesired, to provide the maximum comfort and convenience to the wearer ofa shoe fitted with the inflatable inner sole 10.

[0067] The C-shaped heel seam 34 forms a heel pillow 54 and a heelperipheral tubular passageway 56. There is a small C-shaped arch pillow58 which is formed by seams 16, 36 and 40 and which forms a medialrecess 62 that receives the inflation assembly 60 which includes an airpump 61 and relief valve 63. The inflatable inner sole 10 is intendedfor use as a replacement insert for shoes which have some arch support.Therefore this embodiment 10 has a small arch pillow 58, sufficient toencircle the pump and relief valve assembly 60.

[0068] The inflatable enclosure 11 is encapsulated in a matrix 52 formedof an elastomeric material such as synthetic rubber, e.g., polyurethane,or a foamed compressible plastic such as polyurethane foam, polyethylenefoam, etc. The step of encapsulating the inflatable enclosure 11 isperformed by placing the inflated enclosure 11 in a mold and injectingthe elastomer or foaming resin. One or more apertures 33 can be providedwhich extend through the matrix 52. The compressibility of the foam orelastomer can be selected to provide a suitably soft and comfortablefeel to the inner sole 10 and the firmness and shock absorbency of theinner sole 10 can thus be controlled by the inflation pressure which ismaintained in the inflatable enclosure 11.

[0069] The upper or wear surface of the inner sole 10 is covered with anouter layer 64 of fabric. The fabric may be Nylon such as widely used ininflatables produced by Mann Industries, Inc., of Framingham, Mass., ormaterial produced by Faytex Corp., Weymouth, Mass., like DRI-LEX®LINING, HYDROFIL® Nylon from Allied Signal. The moisture absorbingqualities of the HYDROFIL Nylon draws moisture away from the skinkeeping the user dry, cool and comfortable.

[0070] In reference to other illustrations of the invention, thecomponents of this inner sole which are the same as those of previouslydescribed inner sole 10 are identified with the same numbers as used inFIGS. 1-6.

[0071] FIGS. 7-10 illustrate an alternative inflatable inner sole 18which has an upper layer 24 of elastomer matrix. This embodiment isquite similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-6, however, the inflatableenclosure 11 is not encapsulated within a matrix of elastomer or foam.Instead, the layer 24 of elastomer is formed on the upper surface of thefirst sheet of the inflatable enclosure 11 and the under surface of theinflatable enclosure 11 rests on the inside wall of the sole of thefootwear, forming open channels 26 beneath the enclosure 11.

[0072]FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of an alternative inner sole 144which is particularly useful in sport shoes such as cross country shoesfor runners and hikers, as the construction permits movement between theinflatable enclosure 11 and the upper cover 140. In this construction,the inflatable enclosure 11 is surrounded with a peripheral upper rim136 of elastomer or foam, leaving the areas between the inflatedpassageways such as connecting passageway 56 and pillow 54 void, whichminimizes the bulk and weight of the inner sole 144 and provides an airchamber 138 above the inflatable enclosure 11. A fabric 148 is bonded toan underlayer 142 of thermoplastic, such as polyurethane and theunderlayer 142 is bonded to the peripheral upper rim 136, leaving thefield of the surface of the inflatable enclosure 11 unbonded to thecover 140, thereby permitting relative movement between the cover 140and the inflatable enclosure 11. This inflatable inner sole is formed byplacing the inflatable enclosure, in an inflated state, onto a supportplate with a peripheral surface beneath the enclosure flange 17 and byproviding a rim which surrounds the outer edge of the enclosure flange17 to contain a liquid prepolymer which is poured about the periphery ofthe enclosure and cured into the elastomer or foam edge. The fabric 148is coated with an underlayer 142 of elastomer and then placed over theenclosure and bonded to the peripheral edge 136 of elastomer or foam. Ifdesired, a minor amount of a lubricant can be included in the chamber138 to reduce frictional resistance between the cover 140 and fieldsurface of the enclosure 11. The resultant inner sole 144 has aninflatable enclosure which is inflated under pressure and another airchamber 138 at atmospheric pressure for enhanced comfort. The bulk andweight of the inner sole 144 is minimal.

[0073]FIG. 12 illustrates a cross sectional view of another alternativeinner sole 146 which also permits relative movement between an uppercover 153 and the inflatable enclosure 11. In this embodiment, anoverlay 150 of Teflon, or of synthetic or natural rubber or otherthermoplastic, in solid or foamed state, is placed over the inflatableenclosure 11. In this illustration the overlay 150 does not extend tothe peripheral edge 17 of the enclosure and is not bonded to theenclosure, although it could extend and be bonded to the peripheral edge17. The cover 153, which comprises a laminate of fabric 148 bonded to anunderlayer 151 of a thermoplastic such as polyurethane, is placed overthe inflatable enclosure 11 and overlay 150 and is heat sealed to theperipheral flange 17 of the inflatable enclosure 11. As with the innersole 144 illustrated in FIG. 11, this inner sole 146 also, has an airchamber 138. If desired, the inflated enclosure can be provided withapertures 32 to permit air movement between the open channels 26 beneaththe inflatable enclosure 11 and the air chamber 138. Also, aircirculation through the footwear can be achieved by providing apertures152 through the overlay 150 and cover 153. These apertures can be formedby die cutting through the cover during finishing operations.

[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 13-16, another embodiment of the inventionis illustrated in which the inflatable enclosure 72 of the inner sole 70extends over the heel area 13 and instep area 15 of the inner sole, butdoes not extend over the metatarsal area 20 or the toe area 22.Flexibility of the inflated inner sole 70 is achieved with thetransverse portion 50 of the peripheral seam 16. In this embodiment,comfort and support of the toe and metatarsal areas is provided by thecompressibility of the elastomeric matrix, which can be of natural orsynthetic rubber in solid or foam texture or of other compressiblefoams, e.g., polyethylene foam.

[0075]FIGS. 17 through 20 are plan and sectional views of an alternativeinflatable inner sole 76, which is similar with inner sole 10 describedin FIGS. 1-6. The only addition in this embodiment are thin plasticmagnetic plates 78 which are encapsulated inside the elastomeric matrix52 beneath inflatable enclosure 11. These plates are provided inaccordance with current popular opinion to enhance blood flow to areasadjacent the magnets, combating fatigue and weakness. The thin plasticmagnetic plates 78 are flexible and are strategically positioned beneaththe transverse seams 74 of the inflatable enclosure 11 to allow normalflexing and bending of the inner sole 10.

[0076]FIGS. 21 through 24 are plan and sectional views of the pump andrelief valve assembly 60 which permits the wearer to adjust theinflation pressure within the inflatable enclosure 11 to any desiredcomfort level or support. The construction and operation of thisassembly is described in my prior patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,063). Theassembly 60 includes a compressible pump dome 80 which has an undercut90 for ease of depression. The housing 92 of the assembly 60 and has twocavities 94 and 96 which receive two duck-bill check valves (also shownin FIG. 20); inlet check valve 98 and outlet (discharge) check valve100. An enlarged cross-sectional view of a subassembly 23 of the checkvalves is shown in FIG. 25. Prior to insertion into the housing cavities94 and 96, each of the duckbill check valves 98 and 100 are insertedinto a protective brass sleeve 102 and brass cup 104 which has anopening 106 for air passage. Each valve is captured in the assembly withits flange 135 locked between the sleeve 103 and cup 104. The assemblyis then inserted into cavities 94 and 96 of the pump housing 92illustrated in FIGS. 21, 22 and 24. As the housing 92 is formed of softplastic, the protective sleeves 102 and cups 104 prevent accidentalsqueezing of the check valves when forces are applied to the housing 92.

[0077] A relief valve operator 108 is inserted into a valve cavity 110of the relief valve housing 92 and a coil spring 112 is positionedbeneath the operator 108 to provide a biased force which seats the sealball 114 on the lower end of the relief valve operator 108 to seatagainst the valve aperture 116. There is a passageway 118, whichconnects the cavity beneath dome 80 and check valve assembly 27. Theoutlet passage from check valve 100 extends over tunnel 120, throughpassageway 122 and through opening 124 on the first flexible plasticsheet 12 into the inflatable enclosure. The tunnel 120 accepts a mandrel(metal bar) which is a removable part of the metal sealing die to heatseal the area 179, beneath tunnel 120, to seal the entire periphery ofthe cavity beneath the dome 80, thereby providing air circulation onlythrough the check valves 98 and 100. The inlet check valve 98 receivesair through side opening 126 and discharges into the cavity beneath pumpdome 80. There is a recess 128 on top surface of the relief valvehousing 92 to prevent from accidental activation of the relief valveoperator 108 when in contact with existing shoe lining. An aluminumsleeve 180 is inserted inside cavity 110 to reinforce housing 92 toprevent accidental squeezing and activation of the relief valve.

[0078] There is a flange 130 around the assembly 60 to permit permanentattachment of the assembly to a supporting surface, usually a plasticsheet by heat sealing or any other alternative process.

[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 26-30, the invention is illustrated as aninflatable inner sole 30 which has an air pump 35 located beneath thewearer's heel so that normal walking and running activities will provideinflation pressure to the inflatable enclosure. The heel portion of theinflatable enclosure has a circular opening 37 which is surrounded by acontinuous seam 168 to receive the heel air pump 35. The air pump 35comprises a generally flat, flexible, resilient bulb that is integrallyconnected to a flexible passageway 39, located underneath seam 182,which extends to the arch area. The passageway 39 is connected withflexible tubes 41, which provides air to the pump through its inletcheck valve 44, and to a second flexible, discharge tube 41 whichdischarges air from the pump 35 into enclosure 31 through check valve45. The check valves 44 and 45 can be placed in the tubes 41. Theinflation enclosure 31 also has a pressure control valve 46 which ismounted in recess 62 for access to the wearer to permit adjustment ofthe internal pressure, or firmness of the inner sole as desired by thewearer. As described hereinafter, the excess air released by thepressure control valve passes through tube 134 which is connected to oneor more of the apertures 33 preferably located in the toe area of theinner sole 30 to ventilate the footwear during walking or runningactivities. During fabrication of the inner sole 30, the flexible tubes,pump 35, discharge check valve 47 and pressure control valve 46 will besecured permanently by the surrounding matrix 52.

[0080] FIGS. 31-34 are plan and sectional views of a heel air pump 35which is formed with an upper part 156 which has the shape and form ofthe cavity formed underneath the heel area of the inflatable enclosure31 by seams 168 and 182, and a lower flat part 158 which are sealed witha peripheral seam 160. The pump 35 has an integral passageway 39 whichhas two ports; inlet port 162 and discharge port 164. It can be madefrom polyurethane, kraton, silicon, rubber,etc., any material that issoft, has good resiliency, good memory and is durable. There is a slot166 on the upper part of the pump to accept circular seam 168 of theinflatable enclosure 31. This pump can be assembled by heat sealing or apermanently glued seam.

[0081]FIGS. 35 and 36 are sectional views of alternative air pumps 172and 174. The air pump 172 shown in FIG. 35 has a dome 176 which isreceived within the circular seam 168 and which can be heat sealed tothe seam. The air pump 174 shown in FIG. 36 is a flat circular chamber178 which is received in the circular area beneath the inflatableenclosure 170.

[0082] FIGS. 37-40 are views of the discharge check valve assembly 47.There is a duck bill check valve 23 mounted in the housing 49. The inletport 51 and outlet port 53 align with openings (not shown) of the lowersheet of the inflatable enclosure and the housing has a flange 55 forpermanent attachment of the assembly to the enclosure by heat sealing orother bonding techniques.

[0083] FIGS. 41-44 illustrate the automatic adjustable relief valveassembly 46 which has a housing 57 having intersecting passageways 59,132 and 133. The large diameter passageway 59 receives a ball valvemember 65 which is biased against the spherically concave terminus 66 ofthe passageway 59 by a spring 67. Tension on the spring 67 is adjustableby advance or retraction of the spring retainer 68 in its threadedengagement in sleeve 131 which is permanently seated in passageway 59.The inlet passageway 132 communicates with the enclosure 31 and theoutlet passageway 133 discharges beneath the enclosure 31 through tube134 discharging air through the apertures 32 and 33 of the inner sole30. This establishes a forced air circulation in the shoe. The housing57 has a peripheral flange 69 which is permanently bonded to the lowersheet of the enclosure 31. As shown in FIG. 42, the spring retainer 68has an end slot 71 to receive a tool blade, permitting the wearer toadvance or retract its position in passageway 59.

[0084] FIGS. 45-48 are planar and sectional views of an alternativeinflatable inner sole 73, which has an inflatable enclosure 75 that isdivided into three independent chambers 77, 79 and 81, which are locatedat the front (toe and metatarsal), arch and heel areas of the inner sole73. These chambers have apertures 27, 82 and 83, each of whichcommunicates with a respective connector assembly 84. The connectorassemblies are located in recess 62 and are connected to the inflatablechambers by flexible tubes 85, 86 and 87 which are bonded to theapertures 27, 82 and 83. The location of the connector assemblies isbest shown in FIG. 50 which is a perspective and sectional view of theinflatable inner sole 73. This embodiment uses an external source ofinflation gas, e.g., compressed air or other gas such as carbon dioxidewhich is attached to the connector assemblies 84.

[0085]FIG. 49 is a sectional view of the connector/valve assembly 84.The connector/valve assembly 84 is conventional inflation valve similarto valves available from Schrader Automotive Inc., Nashville, Tenn.37202. A valve 89 having a valve member 183 is resiliently biased into aclosed position against valve seat 184 by an internal spring (notshown). A valve member 183 is secured to a rod 99 which extends throughthe valve 89 to an upper end 99 which serves as a valve operator topermit opening of the valve. The valve 89 has external threads which arethreadably received within a connector housing 88. The upper end of aneck 91 of the valve 89 is conical to permit removable attachment oftubing. The lower end of valve 89 has a rubber ring 95 which seatsagainst an internal shoulder 93 of the housing 88 for resilientlysealing within the connector housing. The connector housing has aconical connector leg 186 to receive a tubing such as tube 85.

[0086]FIG. 51 is a perspective view of an external hand pump 101. It hasa flexible bulb 103, inlet check valve 105, outlet check valve 107 andflexible tube 109 which can be connected to the connector assemblies 84.

[0087]FIG. 52 is a perspective view of an adapter 111 which enablesinflation of the inner sole in absence of the hand pump. It has flexibletube 113 which contains a rubber needle valve 115 similar to the needlevalves used in basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, topermit use of a needle air pump 117 having a pump cylinder 119 with anair discharge needle 121, as shown in FIG. 54. Alternatively other airsources such as pressured cylinders of air, nitrogen or carbon dioxidecould be substituted for the air pump.

[0088]FIG. 55 is a perspective view of an orthopedic layer 123 which hasa recess 125 to receive the air pump 61 described and illustrated withregard to FIGS. 31 through 36. In this application, the orthopedic layer123 is placed beneath or above the inflatable inner sole 10 of FIG. 1.Orthopedic inserts such as layer 123 are usually custom made insertsworn in shoes to support the foot, especially for sports. The layer 123is a plastic plate 127 with a shape and form to provide arch support.The plate 127 has plastic ribs 129 around recess 125.

[0089] The invention has been described with reference to theillustrated and presently preferred embodiment. It is not intended thatthe invention be unduly limited by this disclosure of the preferredembodiment but instead by the elements and their equivalents set forthin the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An inflatable inner sole for footwear whichcomprises: a. an inflatable enclosure formed of first and second sheetsof plastic film bonded together by a continuous seam defining aperipheral flange surrounding a surface field and forming a sealedinterior with a plurality of discontinuous seams extending across saidfield to form interconnecting, internal passageways within the sealedinterior; b. a flexible cover sheet overlying the upper surface of thesealed enclosure bonded about its periphery to the peripheral flange andunbonded to the field of said upper surface. c. an inflation systemcomprising an inlet port and an outlet port communicating with saidsealed interior, inflation means in said inlet port and a pressurecontrol valve having a valve inlet, valve operator and valve outlet withits inlet communicating with said outlet port.
 2. The inflatable innersole of claim 1 including a peripheral rim of elastomer overlying saidperipheral flange and bonding the periphery of said cover sheet to saidperipheral flange of said inflatable enclosure.
 3. The inflatable innersole of claim 1 wherein said cover sheet is a laminate of fabric and anunderlayer of elastomer.
 4. The inflatable inner sole of claim 1including an overlay sheet lying between said cover sheet and inflatableenclosure and spanning across said field of said inflatable enclosure.5. The inflatable inner sole of claim 1 wherein said inner sole has ashape to extend over the heel and metatarsal area of said footwear. 6.The inflatable inner sole of claim 1 wherein said inner sole has a shapeto extend over the entire sole of said footwear.
 7. The inflatable innersole of claim 1 including a plurality of apertures through saiddiscontinuous seams.
 8. The inflatable inner sole of claim 7 including asecond plurality of apertures through said cover sheet.
 9. An inflatableinner sole for footwear which comprises: a. an inflatable enclosureformed of first and second sheets of plastic film bonded together in acontinuous seam defining a peripheral flange surrounding a surface fieldand forming a sealed interior with a plurality of discontinuous seamsextending across said field to form interconnecting, internalpassageways within the sealed interior; b. a layer of flexible plasticoverlying and bonded to said upper surface of said inflatable enclosure;c. a flexible cover sheet overlying and bonded to the upper surface ofsaid flexible plastic; d. an inflation system comprising an inlet portand an outlet port communicating with said sealed interior, inflationmeans in said inlet port and a pressure control valve having a valveinlet, valve operator and valve outlet with its inlet communicating withsaid outlet port.
 10. The inflatable inner sole of claim 9 wherein saidplastic is natural or synthetic rubber.
 11. The inflatable inner sole ofclaim 9 wherein said plastic is a flexible synthetic thermoplastic. 12.The inflatable inner sole of claim 9 including discontinuous seams inthe arch area of said inner sole which form a medial recess in saidinner sole.
 13. The inflatable inner sole of claim 12 including an airpump mounted in said medial recess and comprising a flexible bulb with avalve inlet port having an inlet check valve and a valve outlet porthaving an outlet check valve.
 14. The inflatable inner sole of claim 13including an air pump housing located in said recess with said checkvalves mounted in said housing and also including a normally closedpressure relief valve having a valve operator accessible in said recessto release air from said sealed enclosure.
 15. The inflatable inner soleof claim 9 wherein said layer surrounds said inflatable enclosure. 16.The inflatable inner sole of claim 15 wherein said inflatable enclosurehas a through opening surrounded by a continuous circular seam andincluding an air pump comprising a flexible bulb with an air pump outletport connected to said inlet port of said sealed enclosure by an outletcheck valve and an air pump inlet port communicating exteriorly of saidenclosure by an inlet check valve.
 17. The inflatable inner sole ofclaim 16 including a supply tube extending from said flexible bulb tosaid air pump inlet and outlet ports.
 18. The inflatable inner sole ofclaim 17 including discontinuous seams in the arch area of said innersole which form a medial recess with said check valves located in saidrecess and said supply tube extending between said flexible bulb andsaid recess.
 19. The inflatable inner sole of claim 18 wherein saidpressure control valve is also located in said recess and including aflexible tube connecting between the valve outlet port and at least oneof said second plurality of apertures.
 20. The inflatable inner sole ofclaim 19 wherein said pressure control-valve is an automatic pressurerelief valve with an internal spring biasing said valve operator into aclosed position with adjustment means permitting user adjustment of thetension on said spring.
 21. The inflatable inner sole of claim 20wherein said pressure relief valve is positioned in said recess with thevalve operator exposed in said recess for access to a user foradjustment of the pressure setting of said valve.
 22. The inflatableinner sole of claim 9 including at least one continuous seamcontinuously extending across said field of said enclosure to dividesaid enclosure into at least two independent inflatable chambers. 23.The inflatable inner sole of claim 22 including an air port in each ofsaid chambers, each connected to a tube which communicates with arespective inflation means exteriorly of the inflatable enclosure. 24.The inflatable inner sole of claim 23 including discontinuous seams inthe arch area of said inner sole which form a medial recess in saidinner sole and wherein each of said respective inflation means aremounted in said recess.
 25. The inflatable inner sole of claim 24wherein each of said inflation means comprises an assembly of aconnector for attachment of an external air supply tube and a reliefvalve.
 26. The inflatable inner sole of claim 25 wherein said enclosurehas two continuous seams which divide said sealed enclosure into threeindependent inflatable chambers.
 27. The inflatable inner sole of claim26 wherein an independent inflatable chamber is located at each of theheel, instep and metatarsal areas of said inner sole.
 28. The inflatableinner sole of claim 9 wherein said discontinuous seams extendtransversely across the metatarsal area of said inner sole and includingflexible magnetic plates positioned beneath the transverse seams of theinflatable enclosure.